Indianapolis Children’s Choir launches 24-hour fundraising campaign
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Children’s Choir kicks off a virtual gala Tuesday.
Typically, the choir holds a gala and concerts to fund its music education efforts, but the pandemic canceled those events this year.
“It makes me so sad that we’re not able to do these thing right now, because art is so important,” Josh Pedde, Indianapolis Children’s Choir artistic director, said.
The goal of the Get Back in the Game virtual gala is to raise $80,000 in 24 hours with the help of several sponsors who will match every dollar donated. Pedde and his singers have spent the last two months rehearsing and learning virtually, so ICC leaders decided to fundraise that way too.
“We’re singing. We’re all passionate about singing and we’re all growing in something that we love to do,” Susanna Swinger said.
Swinger has been a part of the group for three years. She’s one of 5,500 kids ages 18 months to 18 years who participate in ICC activities across central Indiana each year.
“It’s one of those things when you donate money it helps not just the choir and the program it also helps us and the kids and like different families who may not have as much financial support as other people, so you aren’t just helping to build the company and the community itself, but just everyone in general. It’s bringing us all closer together more than you realize,” choir member Gabbie Ellis said.
Pedde said the organization may be centered around music, but it’s about so much more. He said the organization aims to foster leadership, accomplishment, self-worth, teamwork and pride for kids. Those are qualities Pedde said will help them in the future, even if they don’t pursue a career in the arts.
“I learned how to get up and stand in front of a crowd at ICC. I learned how to be professional at ICC. We’re punctual. We’re professionals. Those things are taught through things like this and so I think there’s a lot more going on than just music and our virtual gala, I hope will show people that.”
During the 24-hour virtual gala, expect to see ICC share on their social media pages testimonials, performances and fun facts about the organizations. All donations are welcome, large and small and you’re also encouraged to post on social media using #BackInTheGame and #ICC.